In Acts 2:44, we read: “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” When we read this verse, it probably sounds both puzzling and impossible. There is no way that this entire group of people had everything in common. In fact, we know they didn't have everything in common because many of them spoke different languages, came from different parts of the region, had different traditions and practices, different cultures, different families, different struggles, different challenges, and different stories. So how can Luke, the writer of Acts, possibly say they had everything in common?
Luke can say this because of the way the church was united around the one most important thing: Jesus! We see the opposite of this sometimes within the church, and this disunity can undermine Kingdom opportunities. The world looks at a church that's divided and bickering amongst itself, where they are attacking each other and fighting over all kinds of things that aren't that significant in the scheme of things. The world is not drawn to that. But when they see different kinds of people coming together as a united group, it draws them, brings them in, and it creates opportunities to share the love and grace of Jesus.
If you look at the early church, they were facing a lot of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, including their political standing. In the first century, they didn't any political power position. They didn't have the ability to legislate change. They were in every way the minority, and they were mocked and ridiculed. Yet, despite these difficulties and struggles that were meeting them on every side and all their worldly differences, they were able to be united in a way that attracted those on the outside to wonder what was so special about the teachings and ways of Jesus.
Reflection/Discussion Questions: When outsiders look at your community or church, do they see a united group or a group that is divided because of personal differences? What can be done to create a more unified group?
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